Sun enters Leo

The Sun moves into Leo on July 23rd until August 22nd.  Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac, is the sign of the Sun, the central heart of the solar system. In ancient times the Sun came to its full glory and reached the height of its annual ascent as it joined the stars in the constellation of the Lion and ever since, lions have been portrayed as powerful symbols of solar strength, supremacy, glory, light and brilliance Located in it’s natural fifth house, the sign of Leo, will describe how and where you will be affected by influences of optimism, capacity for enjoyment and self-expression.  Your Sun is arguably the most powerful energy in your whole chart. It represents your central sense of purpose and identity. The two luminaries, the Sun and Moon, together form the inner and outer dynamics of our most personal, conscious connection to the Universal Spirit. The outward thrust of the Sun's identity and purpose and the inward receptivity and sensitive feelings of the Moon. They also reflect our experience of mother, Moon and father, Sun since we parent ourselves and others in much the same way as we were parented as children. The Fixed quality of Leo can center us in self-esteem or keep us trapped in a limited view of who we are. On one hand, Leo represents our self-esteem, playfulness, love and self-affirming purpose. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Leo is also the experience of feeling shame, humiliation, self-loathing and aimless cynicism. Which end of the spectrum we're better acquainted with tends to depend on what was affirmed about us in our formative years.  The Sun is a dynamic energy that responds to whatever we fuel it with in adulthood. Just as it's essential to take in love, praise and applause, it's also important to acknowledge and accept our mistakes and human shortcomings.

In Leo, we encounter a more crystallized sense of personal identity. This is different from the Aries form of identity.  Aries is the outer personality through which we interact with the world, whereas Leo is more the person who is doing the interacting. Aries provides the outer layer of who we are, but doesn't always reflect the fiery, molten core that lies within. Leo is our own experience of ourselves, as opposed to Aries which is what we show of ourselves to the world, which is not always the same thing. Think about all the thoughts, feelings, instincts and observations you keep to yourself and don't share with the Leo is that part of us that inherently feels terrific about ourselves and the world. In its purest form, this internal spiritual flame knows no bounds, no inhibitions, no limitations and no blockages. It is endlessly loving, curious, playful and joyous. That playfulness is at the center of our creativity in the broadest sense of the word. We tend to think that creativity applies only to painting, music or other forms of artistic talent, but creativity is more an approach than an activity. Creativity, quite simply, is the ability to take two separate things and combine them to create a third; it is the ability to create something that wasn't there before. Creativity is ultimately the expression of the Self. When you take a creative approach, you make a statement of some kind that comes from you. It says something about the creator as well as the created. Even if you're just putting together components that someone else originally created, the way you put them together can be yours alone. Without creative self-expression, we are automatons living monotone lives of blind obedience, interchangeable with every other brick in the wall. When you deny your creativity, you reject or take for granted some of the unique essence of who you are.

Sun enters Cancer

This year on June 21, 2014, the Summer Solstice, the Sun moved into Cancer.  Cancer, a Cardinal sign,  is ruled by the Moon and belongs to the element of water. This brings an important point as the Moon has no light of her own. She can only reflect the light that's given to her by the Sun. This quality of reflection is a central factor in the Cancer archetype. Cancer claims exclusive rights to the Moon, both sign and planetary ruler termed, “cold and moist” in nature. Understanding the essence of that phrase reveals a lot about the complex sensitivity that lies beneath Cancer’s thick, crustaceous shell. In Cancer, we enter the world of emotions and feelings, as well as needs, intuition and the ability to bond with another human being. The rational Gemini self-awareness leads readily into Cancer's intuitive self-reflection and its personalized, feelings-based assessment of life. We now enter the realm of the non-rational, not necessarily irrational, but that which does not adhere to conventional logic or cause-and-effect.

In nature, water has no shape of its own, no taste or color. It needs other materials to be observed. Feelings and emotions are like invisible forces made perceptible by external events that cause internal ripples. Our feeling state can be affected by internal psychological dynamics and includes emotions, but also includes the intuitive senses. You can have a “feeling” about something without necessarily having an emotional response to it.

As children, we are very open. We freely express our emotions, from delight to contentment to primal rage. We learn to consciously identify our feelings by observing how we react to various situations and sensations. As we mature, we develop a more complex repertoire of feelings. Our first experience of being emotionally affected by others is our family, initially by the mother or mother-figure. Whether we experienced our childhood as nurturing, supportive and safe, or as painful, erratic and dysfunctional, our internal emotional growth tends to take on the shape of the environment in which it grew. It is here we first learn how to nurture and be nurtured, to bond and be separate, to be an individual and yet be part of a larger whole, i.e., the family. Unconscious dynamics which are passed down from generation to generation also have their roots in Cancer and the 4th house. Hence, Cancer also governs family, childhood, mother, our ancestry, and the past in general. As infants, we learn how to bond with another person, usually the mother first and later we begin to distinguish between where we stop and others begin. Our initial symbiosis with the mother-figure, combined with our subsequent ability to separate ourselves, matures into a capacity for empathy. The roots of our needs and behaviors in adult relationships are found deep in our Cancerian past. The archetypes of Aries, Taurus and Gemini form the foundation of the Self in its own right. Although Gemini brings us a conceptual experience of others through information and environment, Cancer involves an experiential, deeply personal encounter with others. In Cancer, it is enough to return to our roots and past to discover the dynamics which enabled us to grow into the person we are today. If we try to go forward without knowing where we came from, we risk becoming aimless, reckless and disconnected.

Sun Enters Gemini

Now that the seedling is secure it begins to branch out and interconnect with a complex root system. The Gemini principle is driven by the compelling need to connect objects with one another to form ever greater links. Their job is to experience a diversity of sensations, thoughts and encounters so that they can create systems or theories of knowledge that are then disseminated to others.

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Mercury. When a planet or house cusp is in the sign of Gemini, the planet or house will describe how or where you communicate the most. It also represents the conscious mind and the thinking process. In general, a person born under the sign of Gemini will tend to need constant change and variety in their lives; as well as the need to communicate on all levels. They are the happiest when they have more than one interest to pursue. Sometimes this can lead to inconsistency and irresponsibility because they fail to complete what they start. In spite of this trait, they have excellent memory, quick minds and can be very logical and rational people.

We have set off on a cosmic journey starting with Aries and Taurus. The Aries cycle brought a great burst of life force and initiative, like a seed being shed from the husk of previous journeys. This seed contained an explosion of potential and possibilities in our lives. In the Taurus cycle, we planted this seed and stabilized its growth to ensure it has the fuel and endurance to survive the long process ahead. Taurus provided an opportunity to explore our attitudes about resources. Now we reach the Gemini phase of our journey. In Gemini, we're challenged to increase our awareness and connect this new potential to our immediate environment. Hence, Gemini and the 3rd House are associated with neighbors and siblings, local travel and the vehicles that get us there. They're also connected to the conceptual neighborhood. We are also part of our own neighborhood. Psychologically, Gemini is the beginning of objective self-awareness. This is not to say that Aries or Taurus people are not self-aware; rather, Gemini energy brings the most basic forms of awareness into focus for everyone. Developing objective self-awareness is a long-term process that grows and evolves. In terms of external projects and activities, Gemini is the stage in which we start to become aware of what we're trying to do and what will be involved.  How do we become aware? When we want to look at ourselves physically, we need a mirror. A mirror provides us with a means to observe ourselves objectively, as separate objects. Similarly, to perceive our personality objectively, we need a mirror of some sort in the form of communication, relationships and the community. This mirroring effect introduces the idea of duality. In Gemini, we have our first awareness of the multiplicity of Self. For all of us, archetypal Gemini brings us to an awareness of the many facets of ourselves. The Air Signs form an evolutionary process of observing ourselves through the mirror of other people. In Gemini, we begin with information exchange. Through communication, we increase our awareness of the world around.

This is the quest of the Gemini, to gather together as much information about their world as possible. It is their medium for knowing themselves and their navigation tool through life, gathering and sharing information.

Sun Enters Taurus

The outward impulse to manifest and thrive that was present in Aries now gives way to the methodical and practical shaping of the new life thereby creating a secure foundation for future growth. The Taurus principle involves the practical shaping and formation of value. Their job is to define and codify their values; what they own, so that they can actualize their potential and leave an inspiring legacy for others.  After Aries propelled us into the world of fiery energy and motivation, Taurus brings us back down to Earth and connects us with the material world. Archetypally, it is our first encounter with physical reality and everything contained within it, from material resources to our internal substance. In connecting to the world of reality, we must also start learning to assess, organize and prioritize what we find within it. In Taurus, it is our job to stabilize that Big Bang of exploding life force and secure its sure, steady growth. Without the grounding counter-balance of this Fixed Earth sign, the new Aries life energy would soon burn itself out after all that volatile, fiery exuberance. Like a flash in the pan, our new growth would light up the landscape momentarily and then fade into memory. Taurus is our basic sense of worth, in the broadest meaning of the word; our material worth, as well as our internal self-worth. It is our values: what we consider worth the price, both literally or/and figuratively.

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, which is located in its natural house. When a planet or house cusp is in Taurus, it will describe how and/or where you will seek stability and security. People with the Sun in Taurus are usually very practical and levelheaded; they won’t be easily led by idealism. Risks are taken only if it is absolutely necessary and only after much consideration. This is a sign that’s slow to change and would prefer a steady routine in life. They are not afraid of hard work because they value emotional and material security.

As the first of the ‘Earth’ signs, Taurus personalizes the expressions “solid as a rock” and “down to earth”. There is a true affinity with earth and being in the world of nature and surrounded by the products of the earth is a source of spiritual strength. Productivity and creativity are also appropriate keywords. Taureans are never happier than when putting physical form to their concept of harmony and beauty. For them, there is a real sense of relaxation in just doing without the need to overtax oneself emotionally or mentally. Once motivated to begin a project, they shine through their noticeable powers of endurance and resilience. More than any other sign, this is one of hidden reserves of power and strength, of solidity in form and character.

So, in Taurus we take that Aries seed and plant it. To the fiery Aries energy, this may feel like being buried alive, but it is absolutely essential to its longevity; it enables the impulse to become a sustained force.

Sun enters Aries

Aries marks the transition point from the old cycle into the new one. Aries, therefore, represents the idea of leaving the old behind and launching into new beginnings, new adventures, and setting off into unknown territory. Aries is the seed which projects future possibilities into the unknown. The seed planted now will sprout, blossom and bear fruit later in the cycle, but that's then and this is now. However, before you can grow anything, you must first recognize it, identify it and name it. You can't nurture what you don't acknowledge. The Aries principle is symbolized by the catalytic process and by acts of initiation and innovation. It is not necessarily the job of Aries to follow through! The job of Aries is to spring into action in new and innovative ways using their natural leadership and delegation skills to empower others to become involved

Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and is located in its natural First House. It is associated with the beginning of a cycle. Aries is the wake-up call of the zodiac. As the Spring Equinox marks the start of the new year, we celebrate the birth of new life and the new beginnings that lay in store.  Aries is ruled by Mars, the action Planet of the Zodiac. The 'Red Planet,' after all, should be pretty fiery, and Mars does not disappoint. Energy, passion, drive and determination are all right up Mars's alley. This Planet commands you to stand up, be noticed and get things done. Simply put, Mars speaks to the power and confident expression of the individual. Ambition and competition are also within Mars's realm. Whether it's at work or on the field of play, Mars encourages us to face challenges and to be our best or better. Aggression is part of the plan here, although Mars also values courage and honor. Assertion and a daring, fearless nature please this Planet. Aries turns ideas into action, is spontaneous, competitive and enthusiastic.  Aries resonates to the energy of its planetary ruler, Mars, recognized as the bringer of action and the impulse to attack or strike back. Mars is the defiant spirit; when dignified it will show courage, fearlessness, respected leadership, the propensity to take a risk and the lover of a challenge. In this form Mars is the moral champion, ready to take up arms on behalf of others less able or willing to put their necks on the line. When poorly placed and displaying its less noble traits, it represents needless aggression, violent eruptions, assertiveness to the point of selfishness, and the urge to take from others without due regard to their needs and well being.

The Arian symbol is the self-regenerating ram, representing the ability to arise with greater strength and vitality after periods of loss. The Ram became celebrated in the associated stars as a sacred symbol of resurrection, since its fleece, when shorn, continues to grow and provides a constant, abundant supply.

Being prepared to let go of the unused and the outgrown is essential if you are to develop your full force and potential. The ridding of unnecessary baggage allows you keep re-evaluating your beliefs and needs in the context of the here and now.